When I said that I was looking for in-person mentorship and that face-to-face interaction was important to me, I was told that I had a 1970s mindset and that phone/email/text/video conference contact is the same, if not better than, face-to-face interaction/mentorship in real estate.

It's a far better problem than analysis paralysis.

I am the one who closes the sale typically so expectations and the process is thoroughly explained by me prior to onboarding beginning.Client red-flags are those who critique the processes before even beginning, those who want exceptions for every process, think they know how to do the job better than I do, etc. 

Look into KBKG for cost seg, they also have an online calculator, but a full manual study is far better.

If you’re looking for suppliers for less expensive materials then you’re better off with a local reliable contractor.

Conventional is going to be cheaper and a better way to go if they can and we refer them to lenders that we know can get them closed.  

However, I will be curious to hear if any of you believe that’s a better idea than the below strategy.I say all of the above to say this.

Would it be better to keep the current structure under a living trust or pursue the LLC route? 

You may find buying what might appear to be a lesser cash on cash return rental asset that's held long enough to take advantage of more efficient long term capital gains tax treatment, while paired with the benefits of the depreciation might yield a better after tax return than flipping a home.

If you can BRRRR rent-by-the-room properties, even better.